I don't have any experience with universities that have such a competitive aspect to entry into specific fields of study for students. My gut is that is may be

I don't have any experience with universities that have such a competitive aspect to entry into specific fields of study for students. My gut is that is may be very good for the university reputation if the university is already pretty selective on admissions. But pretty bad for even a better than average, but not top %, student who has their heart set on a specific major. I have taught as an adjunct and was impressed by the average undergraduate at a large state school. As a person who very much doesn't like an entirely "winner takes all" mindset in life, I'm curious about in the extra pressure of getting into your preferred program. Mind sharing your thoughts on how that extra internal selectivity works out for students? I mean, clearly students complain about the process if it doesn't work for them individually, but what do those students mostly do? "Settle" for another program? Transfer?